Among the manufacturing cities on Hong Kong’s doorstep, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou dominate the spotlight for their technological prowess and industrial might. However, Huizhou, Guangdong’s fifth largest city by economic output, is worth a closer look.
Located to the north-east of Shenzhen, the city is both the second‑largest city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) by land area and one of China’s cleanest major industrial cities, regularly ranking near the top nationwide for air quality.
With excellent high-speed rail links and a busy airport, Huizhou has traditionally been known for its petrochemicals industry and as an overflow electronics manufacturing base for its southern neighbours.
Today, Huizhou combines heavy‑industry muscle with abundant green space, coastal resources and room to grow – an unusual mix that is quietly reshaping its role in the GBA economy.
To explore how Hong Kong firms can leverage Huizhou’s thriving industrial and technological ecosystem, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised a visit for 27 companies from the food, electronics, logistics, IT, construction, professional and consultant services as part of the GoGBA.
Launched in 2021, GoGBA offers wide-ranging support to businesses keen to expand in the GBA, providing policy and market information, advisory services and promotion activities through an online platform and a network of GoGBA support centres across all major GBA cities.
The visit commenced with a tour of the Dongjiang Muge smart farming facility, where the use of drones and intelligent machinery enables a single person to manage some 800 mu (around 53 hectares) of farmland.
Agriculture and the food industry are among Huizhou’s key sectors, supported by a comprehensive industrial chain. Through the visit, the delegation gained a first-hand insight into the smart management systems and cultivation models deployed at the city’s modern farms as well as the local agriculture and food industries, while exploring potential avenues for cooperation.
The next stop was HuiZhou iFlight Innovation Technology Ltd., where the delegation viewed a demonstration of the company’s racing and gaming drones. Integrating R&D, design, manufacturing and sales under one roof, the firm specialises in first-person view drones that are sold worldwide.
The display of the company’s advanced drone technology gave the delegation an understanding of the city’s commercial environment and global ambitions of its enterprises, while identifying potential opportunities for cooperation between businesses in both regions.
The programme continued with a visit to Huizhou Jiayao Smart Technology Co., Ltd, which has developed its own AI-powered smart cosmetics mirror, now available on major shopping websites. Looking ahead, the company plans to optimise its international footprint by leveraging Hong Kong’s platform, as it expands into overseas markets.
The visit was inspirational to delegation member Mike Li, Director of B BIM Creation Limited. He observed that Jiayao’s founder had the courage to experiment with applying technology to traditional products, opening up new markets and opportunities for the company.
The visit also included a networking lunch, during which the delegation representatives connected with local officials and companies to gain deeper insight into local development priorities and areas for cooperation.
Summing up the visit, HKTDC Regional Director for Greater Bay Area and Central China Jim Zeng noted that the HKTDC has long provided multifaceted support to promote trade between Hong Kong and Huizhou through the GoGBA Business Support Centre, which is in the city’s Zhongkai area.
The centre provides extensive support to the more than 10,000 Hong Kong-invested enterprises already operating in Huizhou, behind only Shenzhen and Dongguan. It also provides support for Huizhou companies eager to explore business opportunities abroad.
The Hong Kong SAR Government last year announced the GoGlobal Task Force, of which the HKTDC is a key member. This initiative aims to help mainland businesses expand overseas through a one-stop service model.